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Application form questions and answers

Here are some examples from a typical application form:

Planning, implementation and achieving results

Describe a challenging project, activity or event which you have planned and taken through to a conclusion. Include your objective, what you did, any changes you made to your plan and the outcome. 

As a member of the university's drama committee I helped plan and organise a visit to Stratford upon Avon for members of the Drama Society. My personal objective was to arrange both travel and accommodation for anyone wishing to participate. I promoted the event by postering each campus in the university and e-mailing everyone registered with the society, and setting a deadline for receipt of payments from people wishing to book. Based on this I arranged appropriate travel facilities, in this Careers Centre a mini-bus, and negotiated a cheap block booking at a small hotel. Owing to a late surge of interest in the visit I then had to change my plan by ordering a larger bus and arranging extra accommodation with the hotel which required certain students to "double-up". The visit was a great success measured by the positive feedback received and revenue generated for the society.

Influencing, communication and teamwork

Describe how you have achieved a goal through influencing the actions or opinions of others (perhaps in a team context). What were the circumstances? What did you do to make a difference? How do you know the result was satisfactory?

In my part-time job in a leisure centre I attend monthly staff meetings where we discuss ways of improving performance. Last summer we were asked for ideas on improving takings during the summer period when trade is usually quieter. I proposed that we introduce a "Savers Card" scheme that would allow customers to make full use of all facilities at a reduced rate and which could be purchased on either a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Each card would be priced on a scale respective to average usage. I also suggested we advertise this offer in local schools and colleges prior to the start of the summer break as this was where I anticipated our largest summer trade would come from. The idea was adopted and summer trading for June, July and August were 30% higher than the previous year. I received a bonus from management as a reward.

Analysis, problem solving and creative thinking

Describe a difficult problem that you have solved. What was the problem? how did you analyse and solve the problem? Is there anything you would do differently?

In my third year at University I chose optional modules on both my English and History courses which clashed in the timetable. As I was keen to do both modules and there was no chance of either being rescheduled I contacted both departments to find out if either module was being offered at an alternative time. It transpired that the English option (The 19th Century Historical Novel) was being offered as a second year module to History students. I negotiated with the History department to attend their lecture series and with the English department for appropriate tutorial support and correction of assignments. I also liaised with my own classmates to ensure I met appropriate deadlines. This enabled me to complete both modules. In retrospect, I would have identified possible third year options in my second year to avoid this happening.

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